Akira Takabayashi, an eighth grader from Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on Kauai, was named the Hawaii State Spelling Bee Champion Saturday night and will represent Hawaii in the 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Takabayashi correctly spelled “lamentation” to win the 2013 aio Hawaii State Spelling Bee aired on PBS Hawaii.

The competition featured 14 fifth to eighth graders representing Honolulu, Central Oahu, Leeward Oahu, Windward Oahu, Big Island, Maui County and Kauai.

The 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee competition will be held in late May and will air live on ESPN.